Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has tipped the club’s promising midfielder Kutlwano Letlhaku for an overseas move in the near future.
Mngqithi made these remarks following Sundowns’ 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Brazilians conceded a second-half goal from a penalty spot after Grant Kekana fouled Devin Titus inside the box. Kaizer Chiefs target Fawaaz Basadien stepped up to convert the spot kick in the 62nd minute.
Stellenbosch held on to their lead to take an away-goal advantage going into the second leg of the MTN8, scheduled for Sunday, 1st of September 2024, at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Meanwhile, Sundowns struggled to play their usual position-based football, misplacing most of their passes in the ‘Stellies’ half.
Downs only hit a higher gear in the second-half of the match after the introduction of Themba Zwane and the young Letlhaku.
WHAT DID MANQOBA MNGQITHI SAY ABOUT KUTLWANO LETLHAKU?
With Letlhaku showing glimpses of a quality player, his coach, Manqoba Mngqithi, says the attacker has a high chance of completing a move overseas.
The attacker is in his second season at Sundowns after signing from School of Excellence in July 2023. Letlhaku has featured mainly for the club’s DStv Diski Challenge side and made only one appearance for the senior team last season.
“I can guarantee you that he’s going to be one of our big revelations for this season. He has done exceptionally well from our pre-season; he has scored some terrific goals, very influential in our attacking play, very strong on one-against-one,” Mngqithi said.
“He’s got an eye for goal but he’s also a good passer of the ball, even in this game [against Stellenbosch], he played a very good pass for Themba Zwane.
“I think that boy is a very big talent; if there’s someone I think has a realistic chance to go overseas, it is that boy. I rate him very highly.
“Technically, he’s very smooth, with very broad shoulders. He’s never scared of anything, and he’s always ready to take on any challenge. I see a very bright future for him, but he must keep his foot on the ground and stay humble. And we must also help him with that because if we can do that, I believe he will be a big success at Sundowns.”
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